Merryspring Nature Center. Conway Rd., Camden, ME — A festive, family event, Ashwood's All Hallows' Eve is an imaginative, protected alternative to traditional trick-or-treat activities. For one magical evening, Merryspring’s woodland is transformed into a place of enchantment. Costumed children take a guided walk through the woods, lit only by friendly jack-o-lanterns, viewing scenes from fairy and folk tales. Many children (and their parents) return year after year to enjoy this special night.

Everyone is encouraged to come in costume, but no scary masks or costumes, please, for the enjoyment of the youngest children. To engage older children ages nine to fourteen, scary stories will be told around a campfire in the woods.

When the path opens, the younger children and their parents are invited to wind their way quietly along through the forest, catching glimpses of creature and character vignettes. To preserve the enchanted mood of the event, we kindly ask that there be no flash photography, flashlights, or cell phones. Thank you!

All are welcome. Parking for the event is provided in Merryspring Center’s large meadows past the buildings and off the main loop. Families are also encouraged to carpool.

News Feature

Bid for a holiday in the south of France; a windjammer cruise; horseback riding lessons; restaurant meals; a CSA share; bodywork sessions galore; and much, much more. Ashwood Waldorf School is hosting an online auction: http://www.ashwoodwaldorf.org/ February 14-March 14.

The array of offerings includes items for all budgets and tastes. Online bidding is easy and quick.

Ashwood is also hosting a gala event at the Rockport Opera House: Glow: A Celebration of Light with Music, Food, and Community, on March 15 at 6:00 p.m. Showcasing music by the Gawler Sisters with Tyler Yentes & Bennett Konesni and a dance performance by Droplet Dance, the evening also features great food, a cash bar, a silent auction, and a raffle. All ticket holders will have a chance to win the raffle prize: a gourmet firehouse feast at the Rockland Fire Department, with transport to and from the firehouse in a real fire truck! Purchase raffle tickets for extra chances to win the HOT item; $5 for 1, $25 for 6 tickets.

Tickets for the celebration at the Rockport Opera House are $15 advance, $18/door, $200/table of 10. Available at HAVII, Good Tern, Belfast Co-Op, Rising Tide, and Ashwood Waldorf School.

Ashwood Waldorf School offers a stimulating education grounded in the developmental stages of childhood for grades pre-K through 8. The professional faculty is devoted to mentoring, challenging, and engaging each student through a curriculum that integrates science and mathematics with literature, history, and the arts. Ashwood graduates are vibrant, balanced, and confident individuals who love learning and are well prepared to adapt and thrive in a changing world.